Exhibit Wellness is a fun new feature of AASA’s 2009 National Conference on Education. Exhibit Wellness is a health-focused section on the exhibit hall floor that will provide you with resources — for your own health and the health of the students and staff you serve.

In connection with the effort, AASA will periodically send “wellness challenges” to registered attendees of the conference to encourage them to challenge themselves to take the time to improve your own health.

Read December’s “Act of Wellness” below.

Laugh out Loud
laughter [laf-ter] – noun 1. An inner quality, mood, disposition 2. An expression or appearance of merriment or amusement 3. A major health benefit

Everyone knows the old adage that “laughter is the best medicine.” Did you know that studies have shown that laughter can definitely promote a healthier you? The data shows that laughing can:

• Lower your blood pressure
• Reduce stress hormones
• Increase muscle flexion
• Boost immune function
• Trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers and produce a general sense of well being.

At work, encourage your staff or students to supply a joke of the day — and post it in the faculty lounge or on a graffiti wall in the cafeteria. Not only will your spirits be lifted, your whole body will smile too!